I usually plan blog posts by thinking about you, the reader, and what your needs are. But today, I’m going to write a post just because it’s something I need to write about.
I’m saying goodbye to my writing office.
Over the course of the next month, my office is going to turn into the new baby’s room. I’m excited to furnish and decorate it for our future daughter, but letting go of that office space is emotionally difficult. We’ve run out of bedrooms in our modest-sized raised ranch, so I’ll be moving my desk, my essential under-desk elliptical and some of my writing supplies into a corner of the dining room, and relocating my “library” (three stuffed bookshelves) to different locations.
I spend a lot of time in my office, and I love the solitude of writing without interruptions. I love the view outside the window, and the fact that everything on the walls is inspiring to me. I love my collection of maps, including one from New York City in 1908 (the starting year and location of Waist) and my wall of favorite movie/TV photos. I’m not getting rid of these things, but the collections will have to be separated, and that makes me sad.
There are also the logistics of “where does it all go?” In order to remove everything from the room and distribute it throughout our already-full house, I may have to (gasp) get rid of some books. Books!
I know once I get started, I’ll get caught up in the organizing of it all, which I find enjoyable. I’ll also probably get some small thrills out of throwing things away (I trend more to the minimalist side of things, and like de-cluttering). And once the room looks the way it does in my mind, I’ll be happy I made such a pretty little haven for our baby girl.
But it may be years before I have my own writing space again. We’d like to upgrade to a larger house eventually, but right now our financial priority is for me to stay home with this baby for most of a school year, and that takes a lot of savings. My eventual dream is to have my own writing studio, a “tiny house” on our property where I can create and feel inspired to my heart’s content.
There will be some mourning in Sowul-land this week. There will be some letting go, and some regrets. But thank you for allowing me this blog post; I already feel a bit better for having acknowledged the loss.
Have you ever had to give up your space for writing, crafting or some other dear project? Or have you never had a dedicated space, but dream of one? Share your story with us!
Strange. Last week I finished a blog post last week about my writing space, from embracing my current location and habits to what sort of space I’d like to have in the future. Now, after reading your post here, it makes me wonder how I’d manage with losing my writing space… and it’s terrifying.
So I sympathize for you, Leanne. But the office will be put to great use for your daughter’s bedroom – and really, baby rooms are the epitome of adorable. I hope your new writing space works out for you in its own way, and that one day you’ll find a new dedicated space that reflects the one you envision.
Thanks, Sara! I’m grateful that I can technically work anywhere as long as I have my laptop with me. And I do like my living/dining room, where my desk is now (I’ll post pictures next week). But a little mourning was needed.
I feel your pain, Leanne. I once lost my writing office to my husband. Technically we shared it–I had a desk there, too, but I was unable to concentrate and do my work with him in the same room, doing his (very different) work. It was a happy, happy day when we turned our unused formal living room into his office and I got my own space back. At least you have a wonderful reason for losing your space, but I know I’d feel that regret as well. I think it’s just fine to allow yourself those sad feelings. And to have to get rid of books! Ouch! I like decluttering to a point, but I do hate to get rid of books. Good luck with the rearranging.
Thanks, Kathy! I’ve had the new space for a week now, and it’s not as bad as I’d expected. There have been a few times that I felt disturbed by my family, but I just took my laptop elsewhere. Thank goodness writing is a portable activity.
And I do hate getting rid of books. But one of the bookshelves ended up in our bedroom, and I have to say, I love having it there. It’s a great first view in the morning.